The origin of the dress code.
The modern game of Golf, as it is nowadays played all over the world, finds it roots in a game that was played in Scotland in the 18th century. In this period the first golf societies were formed and, because of the first mutual competitions, the first rules were stated. Also is known from Scottish city archives that there exists old laws in which the game of Golf was prohibited to be plaid in the streets. The population was prioritised to improve their archery skills because this was more useful in periods of war.
I therefore conclude that Golf was made an elitist sport. And that while in the former Low Lands, the area know as the BeNeLux-area nowadays, the game of colve, was enormously popular in the nation (and with the notables). Out of many city laws out of the 14th century can be concluded that ‘playing around with colve’ had to be curtailed.
Shortly written; It had to be and stay for the elite.
These old rules form still the basis of the current Rules of Golf as they are set by the R&A and the USGA. These R&A, what stands for; Royal and Ancient Golf Society of St. Andrews, was established in 1754 and enjoys a high reputation world wide and is used as guidelines by all golf clubs.
Subsequently I can only show some dress code examples, copied from sites of well established golf clubs, as for example the ‘Kennemer Golf & Country Club’. One of the first golf courses in the Netherlands, founded in 1910.
They write:
The members of the Kennemer Golf & Country Club appreciate style and well mannered behaviour and the club appreciates it when their members and guest dress accordingly.
Dress code in golf on the course:
In the period of the 1st of April till the 1st of November steel spikes are prohibited on the course.
Ladies:
- Polo with collar (even sleeveless).
- Shorts of Bermuda length, a bit above the knee.
- Jeans are allowed without fraying or tearing.
Gents:
- Polo with collar worn in the trousers.
- Shorts of Bermuda length, a bit above the knee.
- Jeans are allowed without fraying or tearing.
- No trousers with a length to the calves.
In the club house:
- Take of your caps and hats.
- At diner a groomed appearance is appreciated.
- It’s at any time forbidden to smoke in the club house.
Mobile phones/tablets
The use of mobile phones is only granted at the (mean)entrance of the club house. The use of mobile phones or tablets is not allowed in the club house, the terrace, the driving range or on the course. An exception is made if an emergency situation occurs. In that case the caddie master needs to be informed.
An other (funny) example I found on the site of a course in Flanders/Belgium:
Gents:
- Long trousers, plus fours of Bermuda (no tennis shorts, training or beach pants).
- Socks are obligated.
- Polo with collar, skirt or ‘mock-tee’ (light ‘sous-pull’ with short sleeves).
Ladies:
- Long trousers, Bermuda or culottes (no tennis short or cycle short).
- Socks are obligated.
- Polo with or without sleeves (no tops).
So most of the golf clubs have a dress code and they expect that you as a member dress accordingly. In most cases a polo shirt with collar is expected and no jeans, tracksuit or fluorescent clothes are appreciated. As a player you need golf shoes, golf glove(s) and are a rain suit and umbrella preferable.
Especially that rain suite (and maybe a warm winter hat) give the whole of dress code suddenly a different overview. When everybody is walking around in his of her colourful rain suite than suddenly the whole dress code is ‘of the record’ (and this happens of course a lot in Holland and the UK).
I have already heard about situations were players were refused the entrance to a course, because their Bermuda shorts were to short. After these players put on their rain suite, in a 35 degree sun shine, it was approved and they could enter the course.
Looking at the pros doesn’t make it more clearer. Take John Daly as an example, who is walking around in a very colourful uniform, but still within the norms of the dress code (a collar on the polo and no short trousers).
The Dutch Golf Federation writes about the dress code:
Still some people have their prejudices about the dress code on the golf course. The obligation to wear a plaid pants is long gone, although this type of pants is coming back as a fancy piece of clothes wear! In the world of golf they take care of some decency. All courses have a dress code, which can differ per club. Generally spoken you are expected to wear a polo with a collar, for the gents with sleeves. You have to wear long trousers or a Bermuda short with a length just above the knee. Don’t wear tennis shorts, tracksuit or fluorescent clothes. On some courses it is not allowed to wear jeans. Also shoes with high heals are not allowed because they can ruin the grass.
In the club house are often separate rules. So it’s preferred to take of caps and hats and clean your golf shoes, if they are even allowed in the club house. If you like to stay for supper or a price giving after a match, than it’s common to refresh yourself and to dress otherwise. ‘Smart casual’ is than most of the time sufficient, although in some clubs ‘jacket and tie’ are really appreciated.
Personally I think that commerce, class justice and a certain form of discrimination is in order en I find it regretful that these rules ever came to life. I remember that it influenced my motivation in the beginning of my golf career and it withhold me to go and practice on the driving range.
I don’t think these rules will have a long life ahead of them. If you, for example, look at the new commercial of HSBC, than you know enough. And ironically this is THE big name sponsor of one of ‘The Final Series’ tournaments of 2014 of the European Tour.